Upcoming events.
Race of the Methow
The Race of the Methow is our signature race for all ages. A regional Junior Olympics Qualifier (JNQ) for the Pacific Northwest region, youth teams from around the west come experience the beauty of the Methow.
Ski to the Sun Marathon and Relay
Join Methow Trails and us for a delightful tour of the Methow Valley beginning in Mazama, down the Methow Community trail, over Wolf Ridge and culminating with a challenging climb up to Sun Mountain Lodge where post-race food and merriment await.
Enjoy festive feed zones along the way, or hand off to your next relay runner.
Ski to the Sun is proud to be part of one amazing series of ski races in the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series. Come join us in the Columbia River Valley, the Callaghan Valley, the Methow Valley and the Okanagan Valley for a competition that pits all ages against each other. Join for four times the fun!
The event is SOLD OUT for 2025.
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Marathon categories: Free (skate) or classic, field limit 325
Team relay: Field limit 225 participants
Para Nordic: 10.5km sit ski or standing
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40k, solo as a marathon, or as part of an up to five person team.
Elevation Start: 2,210’ / 673m
Elevation End: 2,680’ / 817m
Total Elevation Gain: +1,932’ / 589m
Total Elevation Loss: -1,040’ / 317m
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Marathon freestyle / classic:
Until Dec. 1: $110 Dec 1
Dec. 1-Jan. 1: $130 Jan 1 -
Jan. 1-Jan. 15: $150
Relay Teams
Until Dec. 1: $85
Dec. 1-Jan. 1: $95
Jan. 1-Jan. 15: $105
Kids 17 and under $35
Para Nordic
Until Dec. 1: $85
Dec. 1 -Jan. 1: $95
After Jan. 1 - $105
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The Ski to the Sun Relay encourages skiers of all ages and abilities to join in the festivities! Skiers are welcome to skate or classic, but awards will be based on overall time (no skate and classic divisions).
All route details are subject to change.
Leg 1: Inn Run Loop
Kid/Beginner Skier - 0.7kmLeg 2: Mazama to Goat Creek Road
Beginner Skier - 4.8 kmLeg 3: Goat Creek Road to Browns Farm - 7.2 km
Intermediate Skier - 7.2 kmLeg 4: Browns Farm to Wolf Ridge Resort
Intermediate/Advanced Skier - 11.7 kmLeg 5: Wolf Ridge Resort to Chickadee Trailhead
Intermediate/Advanced Skier - 11.3 kmLeg 6: Chickadee Trailhead to Sun Mountain Lodge
Beginner/Intermediate Skier - 5.2 km
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The Para Nordic course offers a fun and challenging race from Mazama to Brown’s Farm (10.5km) with categories for standing and sitting racers. Racers will be transported to Sun Mountain Lodge after the race for the awards celebration and lunch.
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You can see all the past results here.
Try Biathlon #2
If you missed this event in December, here’s your chance to try the awesome sport of biathlon with Methow Valley Biathlon!
Learn the equipment, history, and safety, then you’ll receive individualized shooting instruction, practice shooting at targets and put it together with skiing on a short, easy biathlon course.
Open to ages 9 and older and no previous biathlon experience is required.
You can preregister for a timeslot beginning at 10am through 11:20am or just come to the range anytime between 11:40am - 3pm to sign-up for a first come first shoot;). We welcome repeat participants as well.
Entry fee just $30!
Kids Ski Camp #2
Another chance for Kids to participate in a Camp hosted by MVNSEF on February 17 & 18 from 1p-4p each day! We’ll be out on the Methow Trails system having fun and learning new skills. Exact location will be determined closer to the time of the camp.
This Camp is appropriate for any level skier ages 6-13 years of age.
Early birds save $30 by registering before February 17th.
The cost for Members for both days is $75 and increases to $105 on February 17th.
The cost for Non-members for both days is $160 and increases to $190 on February 17th.
Chasing the Sun Biathlon Race
Chasing the Sun is MVNSEF’s annual biathlon race weekend, held at the LBHS range and McCabe Trails. In the sport of biathlon, competitors ski a course, shoot at a tiny target 50 m away, and then repeat the process. The sharp contrast between the vigorous effort and fast movement required for cross-country skiing, and the calm, controlled procedure necessary to shoot well makes biathlon a fun sport to watch as well as participate in. Skiing courses and shooting protocols vary based on age and experience.
Clinic for adults on Friday, 2-4 pm.
Race on Saturday; the Race is a Short Individual competition with time penalties for misses.
Range practice time for adults on Sunday 9-11 am.
More details coming soon!
Hanz's Big Adventure
Hanz's Big Adventure is a trials-format race for kids up to 100 years old. Venue is the McCabe Trails at Liberty Bell High School. You guess how long it will take you to do your chosen course and enter your time here when you register. All you know ahead of time are the approximate distance of the courses you can choose from--1, 2.5, or 5 km. On the day of Hanz's Big Adventure you then ski that course--or a different one if you change your mind, but your predicted time can't change. The skier who comes closest to guessing their actual time will be the winner. Skiers may not look at a watch or get advice from others while on course. You may do skate or classic technique, it doesn't matter. The main thing is to ski and have fun! There will be zany obstacles along the way to make the courses more interesting. All skiers will wear bib numbers and start at the same time.
Registration is FREE, but you must register online by 6 pm Jan 10th. There is no registration on the day of the Adventure. If you are a biathlete, please register by Thursday night, Jan 9 so that we can plan range logistics. Please feel free to register even if you are uncertain you will actually come--it is easy to delete your entry later.
Please check in and receive your bib at the McCabe Trails stadium from 10:45am to 11:30 am. Biathletes should plan on getting their bib promptly at 10:45am and be ready to set up the range and zero at 11am. Hanz's Big Adventure starts at 12:00 PM. Awards will follow after the last skier finishes. Everybody will get something, and a Traveling Trophy will be awarded to the overall winner.
Vintage Ski Fest
Grab your vintage ski gear and clothing! We’ll meet up at the Mazama Store Courtyard at 12p.m. There we’ll share stories of our equipment, take a short ski out to the meadow, and snap a few photos near the barn.
All are welcome to participate!
Try Biathlon #1
Here’s your chance to try the awesome sport of biathlon with Methow Valley Biathlon!
Learn the equipment, history, and safety, then you’ll receive individualized shooting instruction, practice shooting at targets and put it together with skiing on a short, easy biathlon course.
Open to ages 9 and older and no previous biathlon experience is required.
You can preregister for a timeslot beginning at 10am through 11:20am or just come to the range anytime between 11:40am - 3pm to sign-up for a first come first shoot;).
Entry fee just $30!
Ski Rodeo
There’s something for everyone at the Ski Rodeo!
This year's event will feature three race distances (15, 10 and 3 km) and participants can to choose to complete the race as an individual or part of a 2- or 3-person team, to make a unique, fun, early-season race! Oh, and there will be a lollipop race for the youngest participants at the conclusion of the event!
Registration Details:
One skier (or parent/guardian as applicable) should register all members of a 2 or 3-person team. All skiers (or their parent/guardian for minors) must complete an online waiver prior to participating. This will help us expedite bib pick-up and save a few trees!
Entry fees:
$20 for an individual
$35 for teams (2 or 3 members; one fee per team)
Registration closes at Midnight on Thursday December 26! All Team (Relay) Skiers (or their parent/guardian) must complete a waiver prior to bib pick-up. Please complete the online waiver by 3 PM on Friday, December 27t to help expedite the process!
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*Open age groups are open to participants of any age! We have decided to forego gender-based categories this year to keep things simple with the expanded number of categories.
15 km:
Open (any age) individual or team,
Junior (Born 2003 and after) individual or team,
40-59 (age on race day) individual or team,
60+ (age on race day) individual or team10 km:
Open (any age) individual or team,
U12/U14 team (Born 2009-2012),
U16/U18 (Born 2005-2008) individual or team,3 km:
Open (any age) individual or team,
U14 individual (Born 2009-10),
U12 individual or team (Born 2011-12),
U10 individual or team (Born 2013 and after) -
The 5km loop (15 km race) will be the 'full loop' at the McCabe Trails, plus a flat start loop out towards the school entrance.
The 3km loop (10 km race) will be a mix of flat and rolling terrain with a couple of small climbs, but avoids the biggest downhills and the most technical turns.
The 1km loop (3 km race) includes mostly flat and rolling terrain with a couple of short steep hills. Age groups are designed to encourage racers to participate in the length and difficulty of course that is most appropriate for that age group.
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8:30 AM Bib Pick-up opens
9:30 AM 15 km (3 laps) freestyle team and individual event (mass start)
11 AM 10 km (3 laps) freestyle team and individual event (mass start)
12:15 PM 3 km (3 laps) freestyle U14 and open individual and team start
12:16 PM 3 km (3 laps) freestyle U12 individual and team start
12:17 PM 3 km (3 laps) freestyle U10 individual and team start
shortly following: Untimed lollipop race (free!)
*Awards and prizes to be presented following each eventNote that times may be adjusted depending on race day schedules.
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Teams must exchange in the stadium in the designated exchange area, so 2-person teams will have one skier 2/3 of the race, and the other skier ski 1/3 of the race.
Each team will be issued one bib, the exchange will be an exchange of the bib, which must take place in the designated exchange area in the staduim.
Teams may be comprised of two or three skiers. One team member (or parent/guardian for minors) should register the entire team.
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Skiers eligible for the Washington Nordic Cup will be awarded participation points for competing in the 3km, 10km or 15km individual or team events at the Ski Rodeo.
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Ski with Santa at Brown's Farm
🎄 Ski with Santa!🎅
Join us on December 24th for a fun-filled holiday adventure at Browns Farm! Glide through the snowy trails and share the magic of the season with Santa Claus himself. Whether you're an experienced skier or a beginner, a child or an adult, it's a perfect way to enjoy the winter wonderland with family and friends.
🎿 Event Highlights:
Ski the scenic trails at Browns Farm
Meet and greet with Santa – take a photo and share your Christmas wishes!
Hot cocoa and holiday treats to warm up after your adventure
Fun for skiers of all levels – bring your friends and family!
Don’t miss out on this festive day of outdoor fun and holiday cheer.
Methow Valley Nordic Ski Camp
The Methow Valley Nordic Ski Camp is three days of taking your skiing to the next level. We have something for everyone – whether you are a beginner to Nordic skiing or have been skiing for decades and love fine-tuning your skills, we have coaches to match your ability and interest. This adults only (18 and over) ski camp is based at Sun Mountain Lodge, with three days of small groups in both classic and skate skiing with top-level instructors. The Camp includes breakfast and lunch each day from Sun Mountain Lodge, equipment demos, wax clinics, daily stretching sessions, and more.
A Methow Trails pass is required, and you may bring your own or purchase a discounted 3 day pass when you register for camp. If you think you'll ski more this winter, and we hope you will, there are a few other pass options available, including a punch card, and the early season price on Seasons Pass for $349 (until November 1st). You can find all of the options here.
The most common questions are answered below, but if you have others, they’re likely answered here.
FAQ
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Registration will open Oct. 7. to MVN members. Non-members can register Oct. 8 if there are still spots available.
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Prior to November 28th, full refund minus $50.
After Dec. 5, no refunds will be given.
As always, if you're sick, please stay home.
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Registration for general public begins October 7th at 11:59pm.
Early registration is available to MVNSEF Members beginning at 8am on October 7th. Check your Membership receipt or your dashboard for the access code.
Follow this link to SkiReg to register.
Online Auction
We want cross-country skiing and quality instruction to be available to any youth skier interested. We serve over 150 youth skiers and with your support, we subsidize EVERY SKIER to provide a world-class program for a fraction of the actual cost. We are able to do this because of this auction.
Find unique experiences, goods, and services for your loved ones (or yourself) and support youth skiing in the Methow Valley. Our auction features goods, services and experiences from the Methow Valley and around the Northwest for skiers and non-skiers alike. With over 200 items, there is something for everyone, no matter your interest or budget!
Since 1998 the Methow Valley Nordic Team provides year-round coaching, mentorship, comradery, and technical instruction for hundreds of Methow Valley youth. From kindergartners to high school seniors, our program fosters a love of cross country skiing and Biathlon, offers off-screen active time outdoors with friends, and a passion for long-term development that continues long after skiers move on from our team. Alumni use the skills they develop ranging from work ethic, time management, and teamwork, to a deep appreciation for health and physical capabilities for the rest of their lives.
The auction will open for browsing a few days early, but the main event begins on December 1st at 5pm and closes Sunday December 8th at 9pm. Bid early, bid often, find something great for yourself or those on your holiday list, and help share the fun and benefits of cross country skiing with Methow Valley's youth!
Ski Swap
Fall is the time to clear out the closets and gear rooms to make space for what you actually use. Or maybe your kids have outgrown the skis that have been sitting in your garage for years? Allow others to find your treasures at our annual ski swap!